Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-8-2019: Caligula

31st August, 2019.

Hmmm … 

Sometimes, turning the news on, first thing in the morning.

I got up.   I turned on Radio Four’s Today programme.

And found that Sonia Khan, Special Advisor to Chancellor Sajid Javid, has been sacked from her post … 

And led out by police.

Leading to a row between the Chancellor, and Boris Johnson*.

It’s sounds like there’s issues in Downing Street.

~≈§≈~

I’ve also got to admit, I’m on Quora: the question answering website.

It’s actually fun … believe it or not.

Most of the questions asked?

Are usually sensible.

But, boy … 

Some of the questions seem a little … naïve.

“What do British people eat,” always stands out … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th August, 2019.

30th August, 2019.

Isn’t it amazing what happens … when you mention Boris?

Frankly?

You’ll get someone — I owe regular, Olga a thank you, there — mentioning Hugh Grant.

It seems he’s offended by the Johnson administration’s decision to prorogue Parliament, as well.

You will not fuck with my children’s future. You will not destroy the freedoms my grandfather fought two world wars to defend. Fuck off you over-promoted rubber bath toy. Britain is revolted by you and you little gang of masturbatory prefects. https://t.co/Oc0xwLI6dI

— Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) August 28, 2019

Good going, Hugh.

~≈§≈~

Oh, JUST as a side issue … ?

It seems Alibaba CEO, Jack Ma, and Tesla head, Elon Musk, were at a conference, yesterday: having a debate about the benefits and perils of artificial intelligence.

Personally?   I’m aware AI’s introduction will have an negative impact: but generally think it’s going to be a long term benefit.

I’m just surprised that noted science fiction fan, Elon Musk, is noticeable anti-AI: as he’s named a couple of his ship landing platforms after AI characters in the Iain M. Banks novels.

And probably familiar with these words …

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.

Granted we’re still learning to build AI: and Mr Musk seems to have not realised we’re human … and like adding built in safety features …

I hope Mr Musk realises that …

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-8-2019: Cash

29th August, 2019.

Yes: we have a prorogued Parliament*.

Boris Johnson has taken the step of proroguing — suspending, in other words — Parliament yesterday.

Something that’s usually done during an election, or over Parliament’s Summer Recess.

And that the Johnson administration say is to prepare for a Queen’s Speech on 14th October, this year.

But many — myself included — feel is an attempt to block attempts to stop a no-deal Brexit.

And the day after opposition leaders had agreed a way of doing just that.

It’s also something that’s — apparently — entirely legal.

Personally?

I want my country back.

But am very aware Boris has tied us face down over a barrel, and taken his trousers off.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-8-2019: Le Fanu.

28th August, 2019

Right … it’s officially a day off … 

And one where I’m going to be doing a lot of filming: working making the video Teasers around work.

Thankfully?

At least one of those activities means sitting down for a while … 

~≈¥≈~

Just as a quick thought … ?

Apparently, the BBC is planning a digital voice assistant.

Hmm … 

I have to admit, I’ thinking that might be a waste of time: at least on my AppleTV.

Frankly?   The Siri button default’s to using Siri … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th August, 2019

27th August, 2019.

Yes: it’s true.

I’ve officially gone over the top with that intro!

Possibly!

At any rate?

It’s another early start for me.

And, thankfully?

One that’s a four hour shift: rather than the eight hour ones I’ve been doing.

That’s good, as far as I’m concerned.

It means I can get home … and go back to bed!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-8-2019: Holiday.

26th August, 2019.

Yes: I’ve got Radio Four on in the background.

And … ?   Amongst other things, they’ve been reporting on England’s recent win: in the recent game against Australia.

OK, it makes a change from Brexit.

But personally, I’m not a fan … !

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th August, 2019

29th August, 2019.

Oh, lord, yes: I’m still tired.

But, if nothing else?

I’v no one to blame but myself.

After all, I managed to stay up late, last night: watching The Midnight Meat Train, after recent comments from regular, Anne.

It’s good to have seen it, again: Vinnie Jones is still the most menacing thing in the movie.

But, boy … six and a half hour’s sleep is not good … !

~≈§≈~

The Midnight Meat Train: A(nother) Review

24th August, 2019.

Yes … 

At last … !

I’ve managed to go into town, today: to head for my GP’s, to pick up a prescription that I could then collect from the in-store pharmacy at Sainsbury’s.

Except, of course, and given that this is me we’re talking about … ?

I handed in the prescriptions, did my shopping, paid for may shopping, got a cab home … and only realised I’d forgotten my medications, about four hours later … 

And tramped back to the High Street to pick up them … and a bag of spuds.

The things we do for health, hey?

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?



I fancied a movie tonight: as I’m working a late shift tomorrow.



Frankly, I fancied one I’d already seen, many years ago.

As it had cropped up in comments from Old Peculiar regular, Anne: who’d mentioned she’d liked it.

I felt sitting in with The Midnight Meat Train would be … 

Well, good … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th August, 2019

24th August, 2019.

You know, every-so-often?

I’ll quietly ask a friend or two to have a look at the intro videos: just to get an opinion or two.

Which is what I did with yesterday’s intro video.

It is — apparently — spooky.

Ho-hum … !

~≈§≈~

Hmmm … 

Are you a smoker?   Or a recovering smoker. like me?

Or, at least, someone who uses e-cigarettes?   Who vapes, in other words?

The things are believed to be safer than smoking traditional cigarettes: as we’d not be taking in the tar products associated with tobacco.

Something I know I’ve believed.   But with the proviso that I didn’t know the health effects of vaping … yet*.

Well, something that’s caught my eye … ?

Was this piece on the BBC’s news site.

The first death blamed on vaping has been recorded in the US state of Illinois.

Quite what I make of that?   I don’t know, yet.

I’ll be keeping an eye on it, though … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd August, 2019.

23rd August, 2019.

Yes: before you say anything.

I know I’m up early.

Incredibly early.

But that’s the breaks, I think.

Especially when you’re in a job that means you have to start at a very early time!

Oy … veh … !

~≈§≈~

You’ve possibly worked out I’m an Apple fan: I have been for years.

But … ?

Even the best can have their moments.

Apple have introduced their Apple branded credit card.   Which is an interesting expansion of Apple Pay.

They’ve had issues, though.

Apparently, you can’t store it in a leather wallet.   Or in anything denim.

Otherwise, it’ll get discoloured.

Who’d’ve thought?   That the first thing you needed to get with an Apple Card?   Was a card condom?

Oy … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-8-2019: John Lee Hooker

22nd August, 2019.

Right … I am officially up early.

As I have a 10 ’til 6 shift.

And an even earlier shift, tomorrow.

I’m … 

Yeah, I’ve think I’ve summed it up nicely, in the introduction.

I’m going to be wrecked, tomorrow night!

Pass me the caffeine!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-8-2019: Latvia

21st August, 2019.

It has to be said: dreams are weird … 

Or, at least, odd.

Or possibly just strangely timed.

I had one over night, in fact.

About getting fired.

Which is possibly understandable, given I’ve started a new job.

But the dream was actually about getting fired from the Brentwood branch of KFC.

Weirdly: by one of the few managers I actually got on with … 

~≈¥≈~

One thing I know the Today programme’s been doing?   Along side banging on about Brexit, and President Trump’s desire to buy Greenland?

Is recycling.

Basically?   They’ve spent most of the morning reminding us we’ve all got various bits of unused kit that need recycling.

I know I’ve got at least one phone that needs dealing with.

Frankly?

It’s good to remind us we have this stuff.

But, as a non-driver?

I wish there was a few more recycling point for e-waste, around.

Ones I can walk to!

~≈¥≈~

Nik NAk’s Daily Teaser — 20-8-2019: The National Football League

20th August, 2019.

Yes: I am officially knackered, again.

To be honest?

These eight hour shifts are VERY hard work!

Thankfully, though?

I’ve had a word with management: who are happy to arrange more frequent, shorter shifts for me.

Once the other new recruits have started* … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-8-2019: Augustus Again

19th August, 2019.

Ok, OK … 

My voice isn’t stunning at this time of the morning.

But, if you suddenly get hit by an earworm, what are you supposed to do … apart from passing it on?

~≈§≈~

Pet Sematary (2019) — A Review

18th August 2019.

Yes … 

It’s a Sunday night.



And frankly, it’s a Sunday night off.

After a couple of shifts that have been … exhausting, to say the least.

NOT helped by the fact I’m not exactly as thin as I was, twenty years ago.

I’m … 



I’m not having doubts about the job.



But may need to have a quiet word about the length of my shifts.

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?



I’ve had today off.

Off … and have no worries about getting up in the morning … 

Yes: you’ve guessed it: that’s given me enough time for a movie.

Now … did you figure out it was the 2019 version of Pet Sematary?

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-8-2019: Roman Polanski

18th August, 2019.

It’s official: I’m still knackered.

No, really.

I’m not going to complain too much: I am, after all, back at work.

But, lord … 

My legs feel like heavily abused bits of lead piping, right now … !

~≈§≈~

Just as a quick thought?

I’ve bee listening to the bits of Sunday morning programming on Radio Four.

And, on Sunday?

They’ve run a piece on how a Church of England vicar — the Rev Sam Norton — was due to stand as a Brexit Party candidate in whatever elections come next.

I really don’t like the Brexit Party, so you know.

And I’m sure the padre’s well meaning: and glad to hear he plans to stand down should he be elected.

But … ?

Just as a basic principle, I don’t like the idea of religion being mixed with politics.

A vicar, standing for election?

Is not someone I’d be voting for.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-8-2019: Robert De Niro’s Waiting.

17th August, 2019.

Geeeeehh … 

It’s official … it’s (potentially) a nice sunny day day.

It’s ALSO true that it’s the day after my first day at work.

And frankly … ?

I was on my feet all day, and am officially knackered.

Argh!

The worst of it all … ?

I’ve agreed to swop shifts, again: and am now doing today: from 14:00 til closing time today.

I think, by THAT time … ?

My legs will’ve fallen off … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-8-2019: Peterloo

16th August, 2019.

Phew!

I’ve had a last minute shift swap!

I am ever so thankful.

It means I didn’t have to get up at silly o’clock, to get to work on time!

Here’s hoping I can stand up by the end of the shift!

Either way … ?   I know I managed to catch a couple of movies over the past couple of days.

Frankly?

I’m grateful.

At least one of them was fantastic!

~≈¥≈~

The Dark — A Review

15th August, 2019.

Yes: it’s officially official.

I’ve been asked … to swap shifts.

I am not complaining.

It means that, tonight … ?   I can stay up late … !

And watch a movie.

And, in case you hadn’t noticed the poster?



The film I watched was the 2018, Anglo-Austrian movie, The Dark.

I think we have a winner, here.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th August, 2019

15th August, 2019.

Right … 

Today is my last ‘free’ day before I go back to work, tomorrow.

I’ve got to be up seriously early: as I’ve got a seriously early start, tomorrow.

Seriously early*.

I’ve got mixed feelings about that.

Yes, it’s nice to be back at work … 

But yes … I’m having mixed feelings about it.

It’s a hell of a long walk, for a start … !

~≈§≈~

Spider Man: Homecoming — A Review

14th August, 2019.

Right … it’s officially the thing.



I start work at my new job on Friday: at a unnervingly early time.

Early enough … that an early night, tomorrow, is a good thing.

No … REALLY good … !

So, tonight, with various bits done?

I felt catching a movie was a good thing.

Yep.

I fancied Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Although — obviously — not in a biblical sense!

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th August, 2019,

14th August, 2019.

Yes: it’s officially official.

Today is the last Wednesday before I go back to work.

And therefore … ?

The last day I’ll be able to get to bed relatively late.

At least, for a while.

My shift on Friday means getting to bed earlier than my eight year old nephew, on Thursday.

Which makes some things awkward.

Right now … ?

I’ve got a copy of Spider-Man: Homecoming ripping in the background.   And, of course, chose the 4K option: as I wanted to see how long it would take: and how it would look on my Apple TV.

It’s going to take another twenty-three or so hours to finish.

Ho-hum …

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-8-2019: International Left Hander’s Day

13th August, 2019.

Yep: today’s post is sort of aimed at my fellow left-handers.   Oh, and anyone right handed who wants to give them a hug.

Firsty?

This tweet’s floated past.

I notice @BBC, @BBCNews and @BBCr4today STILL haven’t mentioned #InternationalLeftHandersDay …

Some 10% of the BBC’s users, listening and presenters southpaws: you’d think they’d mention it …

— Paul Downie (@Cuddy2977) August 13, 2019

The BBC’s most recent post about left handedness?   Was in December … of 2008.

You’d think they’d mention it, wouldn’t you … ?

~≈¥≈~

At any rate?

I’m literally going to encourage my fellow lefties in introduce some anarchy.

Swop the kettles around.

Make sure the mouse* — or the trackpad — on the family computer has the buttons swapped around.

Stick up a poster, if possible.

Make sure the left handed scissors are at in the most prominent part of the kitchen drawer.   (And remind me to clean my kitchen drawer.)

Oh, one last thing … ?

Have a good day … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th August, 2019

12th August, 2019.

Yes: I think the day’s going to be a quiet one.

I have little to do: bar the house work, things for the Daily Teaser.

And, as a last resort … ?

I might just have to empty the bins.

Gosh, the excitement.

~≈§≈~

On a (literally) different note … ?

I noticed this piece on the BBC’s news pages.

It seems researchers have found many popular home devices can be hacked: and start emitting “deafening and disorienting sounds.”

I have to admit, the first time I heard about something like that … ?

Was in the various roleplaying games — like Cyberpunk 2020, for example — released in the wake of William Gibson’s Sprawl trilogy heavily implied just that*.

The cyberpunk future we anticipated?

Is getting nearer … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th August, 2019

11th August, 2019.

It’s official.

It’s officially official.

It’s so official?   That an official government spokesman, has said “Ohhhh … that’s official!”

Yes … 

I’ve had a phone call from Amazon.

~≈§≈~

You’re possibly aware I start my new job, next week.

As a result: I had a budgeting loan from the Job Centre, so I could pick up new clothes.

I think most of them are in … 

Although one last pack was only sort of delivered.

It was left on my door step.

Despite Amazon’s records telling me it had been “handed to the resident.”

Hence the call.

I complained.

I know it’s relatively petty: but I only expect a delivery driver to to put “handed to the resident” on the system … if he’s actually handed me the items … 

We’ll have to see if the £5 gift voucher I’ll get as a result?

Actually turns up … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th August, 2019.

10th August, 2019.

Yes: it’s Saturday.

It’s a Saturday I’m going to have to be doing … stuff … !

To be honest, I’ve just enough cash to get some blank CDs.

I’ve still got a few playlists on my old MacPro that need to be transferred over for it, to my iMac.

The playlists in question are from a large, multi-disk, compilation: equivalent to some forty-four individual CDs.

Unfortunately?   The version of iTunes on the machine is an older one, that organised this set in an odd way: as individual songs, rather than as a large set of albums.

Which means burning the playlists off as CDs, then importing them into the new machine, is the easiest way to transfer them.

I’m just glad Gracenote, the online database Apple uses to identify CDs, still seems to work … !

The only things I am worried about … ?

Is that we’re not suffering a power cut.

And the wind: it’s howling out there … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th August, 2019

9th August, 2019.

Yes: I was at work, yesterday.

At the new job, so you know.

Not for a shift: but to finalise all of the relevant paperwork.

My first shifts?

Are next weekend: starting on the 16th.

And it looks like I’ll be in bed early, the night before … 

~≈§≈~

Brightburn — A Review

8th August, 2019.

Yes …



And I’m almost ashamed to have to admit this … 

I was at my new place of work, today.



Not for a full on shift, mind: just to fill in the initial bits of paperwork … !

Which took a while, I know that: there’s more to do, I know that … !

At any rate: I start, formally, on the 16th.

Keeps your fingers crossed for me, I’m going to need a stupidly early night.

At any rate?

I had time, tonight, to actually catch a movie.

And, yes, so you know: it was the David Yarovesky directed, Brightburn.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-8-2019: International Cat Day

8th August, 2019.

Right … 

I have to confess to feeling mildly rushed.

I’m back to work, today: at my new job.

And?

My bus goes at twenty past nine!

Agh!

~≈§≈~

JUST as a quick thought?

Researchers have released Atomik.

A brand of vodka made using grain, and water, from the area around the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

I’m glad I don’t drink.

I’d hate to have a hangover from that … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-8-2019: Charlize Theron.

7th August, 2019.

Right … 

I start the new job, tomorrow: so … I’m thinking there’s one or two forms I need to fill in.

Including filling the job centre’s change of circumstances form: AND put in for a Back to Work Grant.

(I’m good at typos: I initially wrote Back to Wok, there.)

At any rate … ?

It’s … looking interesting, right now.

~≈§≈~

Just so everyone knows … ?

I was at my uncle’s funeral, yesterday.

I have to say, it went well enough.

And think he may have been pleased.

It’s only the second funeral I’ve been to where there’s been so many people attending it, there wasn’t enough seats.

Literally, standing room, only.

That’s quite something … 

~≈§≈~

As a final point … ?   One I’ve been meaning to mention for a while, now … 

Last Friday, a man from Dublin was arrested in Dover: trying to smuggle sixty handguns into the UK.

He’s since appeared in court.

Every statement I’ve seen about this?

Tells me that various law enforcement bodies believe the guns are heading for “organised crime.”

Personally?

I think it was heading for dissident republicans: ones unhappy about a No-Backstop Brexit.

I don’t like that idea.   But can’t say I’m surprised.

And have to ask … 

How many other consignments have got through … ?

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-8-2019: We’re Outta Here … !

6th August, 2019.

Yes: I’ve finally managed to get the job.

After a lot of swearing, emailing, phoning, emailing, more phoning … and stuff.

The company I’ve been hired by has finally accepted my adoption papers.

After much consultation with the area manager, and Human Resources.

I start Thursday.

~≈§≈~

That’s counter balanced by the reason I’m up early.

Frankly?

It’s my uncle’s funeral, today.

It’s going to be a long day, I think … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-8-2019: Directed By …

5th August, 2019

I have to say, I’m feeling slightly rushed, this morning.

Believe it or not … ?

I have a phone interview interview for a post with a housing association looking for phone staff.

At ten.

Personally?

I’m hoping two things.

• It leads to a face to face interview.
• They don’t kick off about adoption papers.

Here’s hoping … !

~≈§≈~

Oh, while I’m at it, quickly … ?

I’ve had this, ear worming through my head, this morning.

Remind me to bang on about how Nena looks like Molly Millions!

~≈§≈~